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Factors Affecting The Profitability, Productivity, And Sustainability Of Socially Disadvantaged Urban Agriculture Operations In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hannah Whitley

Urban Food Systems Symposium

Over the past twenty years, various initiatives and policy updates have encouraged sustainable agriculture production in cities across the United States, yet farmers and growers still face multiple environmental, economic, and social challenges unique to their urban context. This study used a mixed-method qualitative design to identify factors that affect the profitability, productivity, and sustainability of socially disadvantaged urban agriculture operations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Findings reveal four sets of factors that constrain sustainable agriculture production for socially disadvantaged growers in Pittsburgh: (1) Navigating institutions and support organizations; (2) Finding and maintaining community; (3) Environmental barriers and limitations; (4) Race, gender, …